As we try to meet the needs of our attendees and exhibitors at Digital Dealer Conference & Expo being held this year, there are more informal session held in the Expo Hall.

These more intimate sessions, held on the first two days of the conference, cover subjects such as advertising, use of technology at the dealership, phone operations and much more.

Here is a quick guide to our Expo Hall speakers at #DDCE2024:

On the first day of the show, join the session “Four Ways to Attract Shoppers Before They Even Submit a Lead,” led by Dealer.com’s Noah Lee and Autotrader/Kelley Blue Books’ Jade Terreberry. They will explore how to digitally bring your brand and marketing to life to drive real results, and steps to boost sales with intelligent automation and personalization.

Additionally, VinSolutions/Dealer.com’s Robert DeGeorge will lead a talk titled “Overcome Three of the Biggest Data Challenges.” In this session, attendees will learn how to overcome three of the biggest data challenges using omnichannel experiences, intelligent automation and predictive insights. Session attendees will leave with actionable next steps for improving processes throughout their dealership operations to drive results.

Machine Learning

“The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Enhancing Dealership Operations and Customer Experience” is the title of a discussion between Kevin Frye, marketing director, Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and Barbie Brand, national account executive, Car Wars. In this session, participants will explore the transformative impact of technology on automotive dealership operations and customer experience and understand how AI and machine learning can assist with customer needs and behaviors, allowing your dealership staff to focus on tasks with higher functional needs to streamline and organize interactions within your dealership.

vAuto’s Bethany Johnson and Alicia Rudowyj will helm a session titled Don’t Let Historic New Vehicle Troubles Haunt You Today. As new vehicle inventories are soaring, and days supply are increasing, dealers are searching for answers on to tackle these challenges. Johnson and Rudowyj will offer dive into how to move away from a one-size-fits all strategy for pricing and promoting new vehicles, in favor of a more market-focused and variable approach

The current landscape for dealerships is wrought with a few challenges—slow growth in the industry, downward pressure on pricing, and a market that no longer belongs to the seller. Ross Tinkham, vice president and general manager of Automotive, Podium, will explain 9 Ways AI Can Help You Sell More Cars This Year, focused on how the right AI tools can schedule more test drives, keep more leads warm, and sell more vehicles.

SEO Strategies

Joseph Cajas, general manager, Covert Ford/Lincoln will join Car Wars’ Brand at a session titled Revving Up Your Dealership’s Digital Presence: SEO Strategies for 2024. This session explores advanced SEO strategies tailored for dealerships, emphasizing SEO, effective keyword usage, and the balance between digital and traditional marketing.

6 Things About Search You’ve Got Dead Wrong is discussion being led by Wikimotive’s Director of Operations, Dave Estey. The session is to learn what you don’t know about SEO and marketing through Search as well as take away useful concepts that you can employ to self-orient and ask better questions of your Search vendor.

In an increasingly competitive automotive retail environment, customer satisfaction and effective phone operations are pivotal. Car Wars’ Cassie Broemmer and Gee Automotive Companies’ Jake Hales will talk at a session titled Solve Woeful CSI and Grow Your People Through Phone Operations. This session will explore proven strategies and actionable tips to transform your dealership’s phone operations into a powerful tool for improving Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores and cultivating a culture of accountability and growth within your team.

Transforming Data

April Simmons of Horne Auto Group and Broemmer of Car Wars, are hosting a session titled Marketing Analytics for Dealerships: Turning Data into Actionable Insights. They will cover the importance of tracking performance, monitoring key metrics, and analyzing customer data to identify trends and opportunities as well as discuss using advanced analytics to forecast future needs, providing a comprehensive approach to optimizing dealership performance through data.

Digital Retailing Revolution: Transforming the Automotive Sales Experience is a session that will explore the latest trends, tools, and strategies reshaping the way dealerships interact with customers. Lead by Big Al Gillespie of Feldman and Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group and Broemmer of Car Wars, this session will delve into the key components of a successful digital retailing strategy, from online sales platforms to virtual showrooms and customer engagement tools, and learn how to leverage these innovations to enhance customer experience.

How does one of the most ill-fated expeditions across the Atlantic, as their crew searched for Spanish gold, and how that strangely correlates to selling cars?  Tales of Scurvy, Mutiny, and Chasing Gold… And Some Car Stuff offered by Joe Dallas, CMO of TradePending, will connect the two in a session that explore the effects of starvation on the mind and body, how starving your customers for information is equally as bad and learn how to trust the local experts, and what that means for trusting your partners.

Embracing the Digital World

Adam Fedak, national sales director, S&P Global Mobility, will host a talk titled Enhancing the Customer Journey: Mastering Online Payments and Digital Partnerships. In the presentation, attendees will explore the intricacies of the customer journey, with a special focus on maintaining consistency in online payments—a critical factor in driving customer satisfaction and retention. Discover practical tips on how to select the right digital partners to streamline your operations and enhance your service offerings.

Covert Ford/Lincoln’s Cajas and Cassie Broemmer of Car Wars, will host a session titled Crafting Compelling Content: Advanced Marketing Strategies for Automotive Dealerships. This session will explore the essential elements of a robust content marketing plan, including creating a content calendar aligned with sales goals, writing engaging blog posts and articles, utilizing video marketing to showcase inventory and dealership culture and effective email marketing campaigns that nurture leads, drive conversions, and methods to measure the success of these efforts.

Marketing Focus

A session titled Building a Team of Sales Leaders in 2025 will be conducted by Car Wars’ Broemmer and Dennis Gingrich, sales & finance director, The Niello Company. This session will delve into the key aspects of sales leadership and best practices for managing a high-performing sales team as attendees will learn how to set clear goals and expectations, motivate their team through performance-based incentives, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

Gingrich will later be joined in a session with Car Wars’ Brand titled Elevating Your Dealership’s Reputation Through Exceptional Customer Care. This session delves into strategies that extend beyond the transaction, ensuring your dealership maintains a personal connection with clients throughout their sales journey and beyond. Learn how detailed documentation, personalized follow-ups, and exceptional post-sale support can enhance customer loyalty, foster repeat business, and elevate your dealership’s reputation in the community.

Appreciation Marketing in the Automotive Industry is a session being led by DealerCards.com’s Aladdin Kazrans and Chris Mcallister for dealership managers, dealer principals and automotive marketers. This session will provide you with valuable insights and practical tools to foster a culture of appreciation that not only delights your customers but also keeps them coming back for more. Review industry success stories from leading dealerships and service centers that have successfully employed appreciation marketing to build lasting relationships and drive repeat business

DDCE2024 Events

#DDCE2024 is a 2.5-day event, Oct. 8-10, 2024, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas that will bring together automotive dealers, OEMs, thought leaders, and solution providers to power business growth and connections. The 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is your chance to discover innovative solutions and gain cutting-edge strategies, actionable insights, and new ideas to implement for maximum impact.

Digital Dealer Conference & Expo will include:

• Enhanced networking: more meetups and fun ways to connect throughout the event
• A Speed Networking program, which offers dealerships and vendors a relaxed yet efficient way to explore a variety of innovative solutions
• An expo hall with 120+ cutting-edge auto retail solutions
• 75+ actionable sessions
• Masterminds and interactive labs
• And more!

Digital Dealer offers full conference and expo badge options, as well as an expo hall-only option for Dealerships/OEMs. Digital Dealer Conference & Expo attendee badge types include:

• Dealership (exclusively for dealers and employees of a dealership)
• OEM (exclusively for vehicle manufacturers)
• Allied (anyone that supports, services, or sells solutions to dealerships falls under this category)

Click here to register now.